Fresno Chaffee Zoo inspires people to care for animals, create connections, build community, and save wildlife.
PLAN YOUR VISIT
Open daily
9AM – 4PM
FRESNO COUNTY RESIDENTS
ADULTS (12 & UP) • $18.95
CHILDREN (AGES 2-11) • $11.95
CHILDREN (1 & UNDER) • FREE
NON-FRESNO COUNTY RESIDENTS
ADULTS (12 & UP) • $23.95
CHILDREN (AGES 2-11) • $16.95
CHILDREN (1 & UNDER) • FREE
*Online and Kiosk Purchases Will Incur a $2.50 Convenience Fee
ADMISSION PLUS
Includes entry into Stingray Bay and our Giraffe Feeding experience.
Fresno County Residents:
ADULTS (12 and up) • $23.95
Children (ages 2-11) • $16.95
Non-Fresno County Residents:
Adults (12 and up) • $28.95
Children (ages 2-11) • $21.95
Pre-purchased Tickets
For faster entry, pre-purchase your tickets online to avoid waiting in line. Walk-up ticket buyers may experience delays, especially on weekends and holidays. All tickets are valid for 1 year from the selected visit date for a 1 time entry during general admission hours.
Dress Code Policy
For your visit to the Zoo, we recommend dressing comfortably, wearing sturdy walking shoes, and checking the local weather forecast before you leave.
Appropriate attire, including shirts and shoes, must be worn at all times. The following types of clothing are not permitted:
- Clothing with offensive language or inappropriate graphics.
- Excessively torn or loose-fitting clothing that may pose a trip hazard.
- Clothing that reveals an excessive amount of skin and may be deemed unsuitable for a family-friendly environment.
- Items displaying profanity or symbols associated with gangs, violence, or hate-based ideologies.
We reserve the right to refuse admission or remove any individual wearing attire that is deemed inappropriate or disruptive to the experience of other guests.
Roeding Park
You may experience longer lines into the park on the weekends and on holidays. The park has two entrances: one on Belmont Ave. and one on Olive Ave. On busy days when the Belmont entrance has heavy traffic, the Olive entrance is a great alternative.
Parking Rates
The City of Fresno charges a $5 per car parking fee at Roeding Park. Parking rates are subject to change for holidays, special events, and other instances determined by the City of Fresno.
The City of Fresno has added pay stations throughout Roeding Park to pay. There are 11 kiosks throughout the park. These kiosks accept exact cash (parking is $5) or card (with a $0.40 convenience fee). You can also pay via the ParkMobile App, available on the App Store and Google Play. Roeding Park annual parking pass holders have been grandfathered into the City’s updated parking system.
MEMBERS & PRE PURCHASED TICKETS
For members and those with pre-purchased tickets, please look for the member/pre-purchased tickets line when you arrive. Please have your tickets or your membership card and photo ID out and ready to be scanned so that we can get you into the Zoo as quickly as possible to start your visit. Once you have entered, you are welcome to stay through our open hours. We do not have set exit hours, except our closing time.
Families who receive SNAP benefits can participate in the Welcome Wednesdays program. The person who has the SNAP EBT card under their name must be present, and the card and a matching photo ID must be shown for entry.
- Discount valid for General Admission tickets
- General Admission Ticket Price: $5.00 per person.
Maximum 4 tickets per cardholder. The card holder must be 18 years or older and be present to receive the Welcome Wednesdays Discount.
Tickets can only be purchased at the Ticket Booth in-person on the day of their visit. Welcome Wednesday tickets are only valid on Welcome Wednesday and must be used on the Wednesday that you purchase your tickets.
Valid Cards
EBT Cards and digital WIC app. All cards/app must include the cardholders first and last name.
Guests must show a valid state issued ID when purchasing their tickets. The valid state issued ID’s must have a picture, a birthdate, and a first name and a last name that match the card.
Guests cannot use those cards for payment.
THINGS TO DO
DISCOVER A NEW ADVENTURE
Looking for an unforgettable day of animal encounters and exciting activities? The Fresno Chaffee Zoo offers something for every animal lover. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning guest, there’s always something new to explore and experience.
Feed The Giraffes at Twiga Terrace
Come face-to-face with one of the members of our towes and feed them a tasty piece of lettuce!
$5 per person for members
$6 per person for non-members.
Touch Stingrays
Touch or feed cow-nose rays and southern stingrays as they glide beneath your fingertips. It’s a safe, fun adventure for the whole family.
$5 admission per person for non-members.
Free admission for members.
$3 per person per feeding.
Catch Our Bird Shows
A guest favorite, learn about beautiful and interesting birds from all over the world in this free-flight bird show. Show times are at 1:00PM and 2:30PM daily
For the safety of the animals, shows may be canceled without notice due to extreme weather: heavy rain, high winds, temperatures above 105°F, or extremely low temperatures.
Children’s Nature Play Zone
Have a SPLASH at Wilderness Falls. This interactive area allows children to cool off in our waterfall splash pad! Follow the footprints, explore the wilderness, discover the fire lookout tower, and more!
Feel like discovering? Excavate a full-size T-Rex and other fossils like a real paleontologist in our Dino Dig. Tools are available in the dig site.
Animal Chat Schedule
Sea Lion (Sea Lion Cove Theater)
10:00 a.m. & 3:00 p.m.
White Rhino (African Adventure — Mahali Pool)
10:00 a.m.
African Elephant (African Adventure – Kopje Lodge)
11:00 a.m.
Reptiles (Various — Check Signs on Reptile House)
11:00 a.m.
Macaw Flight (Safari Café — Central Area Nearby African Adventure Sign)
11:30 a.m.
Sloth Bear & Otter (Sloth Bear/Otter Habitat — Kingdoms of Asia)
11:30 a.m.
Lion (Lion Habitat)
12:00 p.m.
Shark (Stingray Bay)
12:30 p.m.
Cheetah (Cheetah Habitat)
12:30 p.m.
Flamingo (Flamingo Habitat)
1:30 p.m.
Tiger (Tiger Habitat)
2:30 p.m.
Guests are welcome to bring outside food to Fresno Chaffee Zoo. For the safety of guests and animals, please leave glass, straws and alcohol at home. Water fountains are available throughout the Zoo, including bottle filling stations at Sea Lion Cove, Stingray Bay, and Valley Farm.
Safari Café
Open Daily 9AM-4PM
Breakfast burritos, corn dogs, grilled cheese, snacks, popcorn, and assorted beverages.
Kopje Lodge
Monday-Thursday 10AM-2PM
Friday-Sunday 10AM-4PM
Burgers, pizza, wraps, salads, pasta, and assorted beverages.
Kudu Café
Monday-Friday 9AM-2PM
Saturday-Sunday 9AM-4PM
Coffee, pastries, and ice cream.
Longvek Marketplace
Friday-Sunday 11AM-4PM
Bowls, skewers, and more.
There will be additional seating areas open to enjoy your meal, including near Safari Café, Kopje Lodge, and Stingray Bay. Please refer to our map to locate all seating areas.
*Eateries are subject to closure due to weather or other circumstances
Early Bird Tours
Set your alarm and join an Educator to learn more about your favorite Fresno Chaffee Zoo animals! This outdoor guided tour will take you throughout the Zoo and to your favorite exhibits to see how the animals and zookeepers start their day. End your tour with a breakfast snack and beverage from the Kudu Café!
Includes
Program for 1 hour (8am-9am)
Zoo Admission
Maximum Capacity: 10 guests
MembeRs
ADULTS (12 & UP) • $30
CHILDREN (AGES 2-11) • $30
CHILDREN (1 & UNDER) • FREE
NON-MemberS
ADULTS (12 & UP) • $53.95
CHILDREN (AGES 2-11) • $46.95
CHILDREN (1 & UNDER) • FREE
Non-Members (Fresno County)
ADULTS (12 & UP) • $48.95
CHILDREN (AGES 2-11) • $41.95
CHILDREN (1 & UNDER) • FREE
*Online and Kiosk Purchases Will Incur a $2.50 Convenience Fee
*Tickets are required for all guests ages 2 years and older, babies 1 and under are free. Guests under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a paying adult.
**This tour does not include any behind the scenes access or animal interactions.
***Reservations must be made at least 48 hours in advance. All requests for rescheduling or cancellations must be received in writing by email to behindthescenes@fcz.org at least 72 hours in advance. All sales are final and programs are non-transferable.
Get an Exclusive Look
Behind-the-Scenes adventures take guests one step closer to the animals at Fresno Chaffee Zoo, giving guests a special, unforgettable experience!
For more information or to purchase a Behind-the-Scenes gift certificate, email behindthescenes@fcz.org or call 559-470-6880.
Tiny Trunk Time
Join us for this elephantastic tour to learn about our African elephants and what it takes to care for them!
Sloth Bear Necessities
Is it a sloth? Is it a bear? They’re sloth bears! Join us to learn all about our bears and what it takes to care for them!
Fun With Flippers
This dry land experience will give you the opportunity to get up close and personal with a seal or sea lion!
Scales & Tales
Get an up-close look at some of our more slithery, scaly, hoppy, and crawly creatures in our Reptile House!
Group Behind the Scenes
Is your class, club, or troop looking for a little something extra to do during your Zoo visit? Book a Group Behind the Scenes Adventure! Join one of our Behind the Scenes Educators and visit up to three different behind the scenes animal spaces to learn about how we care for the animals! This educational program is great for upper elementary grades, high school students, college students, or any large group interested in learning about what happens behind the scenes at the Zoo!
Reservations must be made at least 2 weeks in advance. Zoo admission is not included.
All requests for rescheduling or cancellations must be received in writing by email to behindthescenes@fcz.org at least 72 hours in advance. All sales are final, and programs are non-transferable.
To request your group Behind the Scenes, please fill out the form linked below:
For any questions, please email behindthescenes@fcz.org or call 559-470-6880.
Grades:
4th & up
Length:
2 hours, including check-in time
Maximum Capacity:
100 guests
Pricing:
$600 for up to 20 guests, $30 per person additional
ACCESSIBILITY
Looking for an unforgettable day of animal encounters and exciting activities? The Fresno Chaffee Zoo offers something for every animal lover. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning guest, there’s always something new to explore and experience.
In partnership with Pal Experiences, a Phoenix-based non-profit, the Zoo has created free tools to help those with autism and other developmental disabilities enjoy their next visit.
The Fresno Chaffee Zoo is the first zoo location in the United States to become a Pal Experiences “Pal Place,” which includes the creation of a video social story showing guests what they can expect during a visit and an interactive digital guide to assist with communication and navigation around the Zoo.
We invite you to watch the video and review the guide before your visit to know what to expect and get tips on how to plan around sensory sensitivities.
Sponsored by Valley Children’s Healthcare
We have worked closely with Valley Children’s Healthcare to develop tools to make the Zoo accessible and inclusive for all visitors.
Adapted from the successful program at Valley Children’s Healthcare.
Guests with sensory needs can also check out special backpacks (at no cost by leaving an ID) with sensory tools, a Zoo map showing Headphone Zones and Quiet Zones, and noise-cancelling headphones.
Both George’s Pass and sensory backpacks are available to check-out at the front entrance.
We invite you to watch the video to learn more about George’s Pass.
The Zoo offers a sensory map and signage to identify Headphone Zones and Quiet Zones to further help families and individuals have an enjoyable experience on even the busiest days.
During a visit to the Zoo, there are some areas that, on our busiest days, can be crowded and loud. It may be best to plan to visit these areas when the Zoo is less crowded or use noise-canceling headphones in these areas.
We also have noted Quiet Zones. These are less-crowded areas around the Zoo that can be ideal to take a break, let off some energy, or plan the rest of your visit.
Strollers, wheelchairs, and electric scooters are available to rent from the Safari Trading Co. gift shop on a first-come, first-serve basis at the following rates:
RATES
Single Stroller Rental • $8
Double Stroller Rental • $10
Wheelchair Rental • $10
Electric Scooter Rental • $25
We want every Zoo guest to have a safe, accessible place to go.
Restroom with Companion Care, Adult Changing Table
Donated by Hannah’s Helpers
- Front Entrance
Nursing Nook, Private Nursing Area
While mothers may nurse wherever they feel most comfortable, we have created a nursing area for those who prefer more privacy. The Nursing Nook is located between Dino Dig & Wilderness Falls restrooms.
If you require any additional accommodations, please don’t hesitate to ask our team during your visit.
FAQs
Before you arrive, make sure to check out our Plan Your Visit page for the most up-to-date information on what to expect and what may be impacted by construction. There, you can also download our map and visitors’ guide for your visit.
We suggest you dress comfortably, wear good walking shoes and check the local weather report before you leave for your Zoo day.
Proper attire, including shoes and shirts, must be worn at all times.
Inappropriate attires includes but is not limited to:
- Clothing with objectionable material, including obscene language or graphics
- Excessively torn clothing or loose fitting clothing which may drag on the ground and create a potential trip hazard
- Clothing which, by nature, exposes excessive portions of the skin that may be viewed as inappropriate for a family environment
- Refrain from wearing clothing or accessories that contain profanity or that convey membership or affiliation with street gangs or other similarly oriented group or association prone to violence, criminal acts, or hate- and racially biased-based beliefs.
We reserve the right to deny admission to or remove any person wearing attire that we consider inappropriate or attire that could detract from the experience of other guests.
The City of Fresno has added pay stations throughout Roeding Park to pay for parking. There are 11 kiosks throughout the park. These kiosks accept exact cash (parking is $5) or card (with a $0.40 convenience fee). You can also pay via the ParkMobile App which is available on the App Store and Google Play. Roeding Park annual parking pass holders have been grandfathered into the City’s updated parking system. For helpful information on how to use the kiosks and where to find them, please refer to this guide.
General Admission, Admission Plus, and Admission Premium tickets purchased online expire one year from the selected visit date. Event tickets purchased online are date specific and can’t be used for other dates or programs.
Yes, we offer a number of accommodations and resources to help guests enjoy the Zoo. Please see our Accessibility and Inclusion page for more information about the resources available before and during your visit.
Service animals, as defined by the ADA, are absolutely welcome at Fresno Chaffee Zoo. To confirm that your dog is defined as a service dog by the ADA, visit https://www.ada.gov/regs2010/service_animal_qa.html or call our Guest Services department at 559-472-9864.
Service animals are welcome in most areas of the Zoo, however, for the safety of the animals, service animals are prohibited in the Tropical Rainforest Aviary, Australian Aviary, Stingray Bay, Valley Farm, and Butterfly Garden (open seasonally).
Guests visiting Fresno Chaffee Zoo with service animals do have restrictions when visiting certain exhibits. Upon entrance to the Zoo, a Fresno Chaffee Zoo staff member will inform you of any restrictions.
Yes! Fresno Chaffee Zoo does offer a military discount on regular Zoo admission for active military members. The discount is 50% off for up to two guests. This discount can only be applied toward regular Zoo admission. It is not valid on events. Military discount is only available at the Ticket Booth.
Yes, guests are welcome to bring outside food to Fresno Chaffee Zoo for small groups. For the safety of guests and animals, please leave glass, aluminum cans, straws, and alcohol at home.
Organized groups (birthday parties, baby showers, bridal showers, etc.) will be required to book an event venue on Zoo grounds to hold their gathering. Please note that tables in the Kopje Lodge and at Safari and Kudu Cafés are reserved strictly for guests purchasing food from the concession.
Yes! Water fountains are available throughout the Zoo, including bottle filling stations at Sea Lion Cove and Stingray Bay.
Tables in the Kopje Lodge and at Safari Cafe are reserved strictly for guests purchasing food from the concession. For the safety of the animals, organized groups (birthday parties, baby showers, bridal showers, etc.) will be required to book an event venue on Zoo grounds to hold their party. If you are interested in having a private event at the Zoo, please visit our Private Events page.
Yes! Strollers, electric scooters, and wheelchairs are available from the Safari Trading Co. gift shop on a first-come, first-serve basis at the following rates:
Single Stroller Rental – $8.00
Double Stroller Rental – $10.00
Wheelchair Rental – $10.00
Electric Scooter Rental – $25.00
To provide a safer, healthier and more comfortable environment for guests and animals, smoking, vaping and the use of tobacco products are prohibited at the Zoo.
Yes! Just have your hand stamped at the admission booth to return to the Zoo during the same day.
Fresno Chaffee Zoo is not licensed for wildlife rehabilitation. Therefore, we are unable to accept animals (living or deceased) from the public. If you find a domestic or wild animal, please contact the Central California SPCA at 559-233-7722.
For the safety and welfare of our animals and visitors, the following items are prohibited:
- Glass Containers
- Balloons
- Wheeled Shoes (heelies, roller blades, scooters, bikes, hoverboards, skateboards, and segways)
- Weapons, firearms, knives or blades, clubs, hammers, martial art devices, and other related items that are deemed dangerous, suspicious, or inappropriate
- Unmanned Aircraft Systems (drones) or any similar remote-controlled vehicles/flying devices without prior approval
- Flammable liquids and gases, fireworks, ammunitions, explosive devices, and related materials
- Paint and related marking materials, including spray cans and other aerosols
Prohibited Activities:
- The sale of goods or services, or the display of goods or services, unless prior written approval has been obtained
- The distribution of printed or recorded matierials of any kind unless prior written approval has been obtained
- Engaging in any unsafe act or other act that may impede the operation of the Zoo or any part thereof
- Unauthorized access or entry into staff areas or areas
- Unauthorized events, speeches, or use of any flag, banner, sign, or other material for commercial purposes, or as part of a demonstration
- Photography, videotaping, or recording of any kind, or otherwise engaging in any activity for unapproved commercial purposes
- Unauthorized solicitations of any kind, whether commercial, religious, educational, or otherwise conducting any unauthorized commercial activities, including: solicitations of money or other contributions or donations.
- Feeding or disturbing the animals, including throwing objects, tapping or banging on exhibit glass, or playing music in the Zoo
- Entering non-public areas
- Smoking, including e-cigarettes and/or vaping
- Climbing on trees, picking flowers, and disturbing the landscape
- Any disruptive behavior that impedes our ability to protect the animals in our care.
If you see something, say something. If you notice someone acting inappropriately or dangerously, please contact a Zoo staff member.
Fresno Chaffee Zoo is private property, all rights are expressed and implied. We reserve the right to prohibit any other activities that we determine may be harmful or disruptive, in our sole and absolute discretion.
All guests are welcome to take photographs and videos of their experience for personal use only. Rates apply if photos and/or videos are taken for commercial purposes. Please visit our Media page to learn more about the Zoo’s photography and videography policies.
Fresno Chaffee Zoo loves to hear from you and engage with you! You are welcome to leave your questions and comments for us on our social media accounts. Please be advised that we moderate comments to remove anything that is outside of our community standards. These include any comments that contain vulgar language, personal attacks, spam, encouragement of illegal activity, or offensive language targeted at any ethnic, racial, gender, or religious group. If you have any concerns or feedback, please reach out to us at marketing@fcz.org.